Let’s face it, as you scroll through Instagram you realize that you’re consuming the same content over and over again. The pictures all look the same and you just want to know how to stand out. You have an upcoming trip to a top destination you’ve seen all over Instagram and want to take original and unique photos that don’t blend into the rest but you aren’t sure how…

You also want your photos to stick out to you, you want them to illustrate what you experienced while travelling, you want them to hold memories and not just be a bland photo that won’t mean anything to you in a couple of years.

This guide is for you! I explain how to take original and unique photos while travelling to the most common destinations!

Do some research beforehand

Maybe there are original viewpoints of the place that aren’t as touristy. Do some deep research on Google to find some hidden spots. You can search terms like hidden viewpoints of…., the best view of….., best rooftop bars with view on…, etc…

Extra tip: Hover over the spot in google maps and see for yourself where you would think you could get an original angle of the place or if you want to you can even ask locals you come across to know if they are familiar with any cool viewpoints. You never know, you might find yourself on one of the best rooftops with the best view!

Also, try to do some research on hidden spots in the city that are photogenic. It can be hidden cafés, a hidden quaint street or a hidden attraction no one knows about!

Look on Instagram for what NOT to do

Before heading to a well-known place make sure to look up photos on Instagram for what photos NOT to take! Remember you are not looking on Instagram for inspiration but more for the contrary. Use hashtags or location tags to see what type of photos everyone else is taking and try to take ones that are completely different!

Don’t forget to look around

This might sound like a simple tip but often you don’t think about it! It is easy to just snap photos of what’s in front of you, but try to look around, look at the details. For example, if you are walking down a street, try turning around and taking a photo of it the other way or focus on the building details, photograph a window, or architectural detail. By doing this not only does it make you observe your surroundings but it also makes you find beauty in place you would normally overlook.

Try different angles and perspectives

Try to think as a photographer, what angles have no one ever thought of before. Don’t be afraid to go full in by laying on the ground to get that low angle! Or maybe try to capture it by drone if you have one instead! This can be a great way to get a unique angle. Plus seeing a landscape or landmark from a bird’s eye view always has a unique beauty to it!

Experiment with different times of day

Sunrise, sunset, during a rainy day or at night. Try to experiment with different times of the day. You’ve probably seen loads of photos of the Colosseum or the Eiffel Tower during day time but how often have you seen photos of it at night or during sunrise? Avoiding taking photos during the popular hours of the day will not only get you original photos but it will also help you avoid big crowds and have fewer people on your photos. Plus, who doesn’t love the golden sunrise glow?

Get creative

Spot a puddle near the place you want to take a photo? Use it as a means to make your photos more unique. Kneel down and make sure to catch the reflection! Does the bridge have a specific barrier design? Use it as a framing for your photo! Look around for flowers or trees as you can also use them as a framing for your photos.

Use objects in your photos

Using different objects in your photo can make them so much more interesting! Instead of having a picture of you only standing in front of a famous landmark, grab some random objects. Like a book, a hat, an ice cream, a nice dress or something unique that makes the photo special to you.

Try different photography styles

Your travel photos don’t only have to be of the main attractions and points, they don’t have to be only selfies in front of the main landmark. Try to think more broadly. Take a photo of everything you see, it can be your food, a special dish you had, a random cat on the streets, the locals walking around and living their lives, etc… try to capture what you see, everything that intrigues you and that seems different to what you’re used to.

Try to capture the moments

“We take photos as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone.” Katie Thurmes

When you’re back home and are looking back on the photos you’ve taken during your trip, you want to be able to relive the moments and experiences you had through your photos. So try to capture emotions, what you felt in that moment. For example, take a photo of your friend laughing or a photo of yourself trying a new dish for the first time. You can also do so by taking videos!

Remember what you take the photos with doesn’t have that much importance! you can take beautiful photos on your phone! It’s all about how you take them!

Get creative with editing

After you’ve come back from your trip make sure to edit them using either Lightroom or Photoshop. Not only does this spark your creative side but it also makes your photos more appealing and unique to you especially if you want to post them on Instagram! If you happen to have a photo that doesn’t have the right lighting or has a grey sky, Photoshop can be a great way to turn it around by changing what you don’t like.

I hope you enjoyed reading this guide about how to take unique photos while travelling and found it helpful!

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